Aerosol generation system

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides an aerosol generation system comprising: a controller for an inhalation device, the controller including a first power supply, a first connector, and a first processor configured to perform energization control of a heater which is used to heat an aerosol source, and a power supply device including a second power supply, a second connector which is connected to the first connector at the time of charging of the first power supply, and a second processor configured to perform control of power supply from the second power supply to the controller via the second connector, wherein a first voltage applied to a power supply terminal of the first processor and a second voltage applied to a power supply terminal of the second processor are different from each other.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to and the benefit of Japanese PatentApplication No. 2020-150108 filed on Sep. 7, 2020, the entire disclosureof which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an aerosol generation system.

Description of the Related Art

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2019-524069 describes an aerosolgeneration system comprising an aerosol generation device that generatesan aerosol by heating an aerosol forming substance by a heater, and acharging device (to be also referred to as a power supply device)including a battery and used to charge the aerosol generation device.

In the aerosol generation system, operating the processor of the aerosolgeneration device and the processor of the charging device (power supplydevice) in similar manners even though they are performing differentprocesses can be disadvantageous in terms of power saving.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides, for example, a technique advantageous inpower saving of an aerosol generation system.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided anaerosol generation system comprising: a controller for an inhalationdevice, the controller including a first power supply, a firstconnector, and a first processor configured to perform energizationcontrol of a heater which is used to heat an aerosol source, and a powersupply device including a second power supply, a second connector whichis connected to the first connector at the time of charging of the firstpower supply, and a second processor configured to perform control ofpower supply from the second power supply to the controller via thesecond connector, wherein a first voltage applied to a power supplyterminal of the first processor such that the first processor canperform the energization control and a second voltage applied to a powersupply terminal of the second processor such that the second processorcan perform the control of the power supply are different from eachother.

Further features of the present invention will become apparent from thefollowing description of exemplary embodiments with reference to theattached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a view schematically showing an arrangement example of anaerosol generation system;

FIG. 2 is a view showing an arrangement example of electrical componentsof a controller and an arrangement example of electrical components ofan external power supply;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are flowcharts illustrating an operation example of aninhalation device;

FIG. 4 is a view for explaining the power supply voltages of a firstprocessor and a second processor;

FIG. 5 is a view for explaining the power supply voltages of the firstprocessor and the second processor; and

FIG. 6 is a view for explaining the power supply voltages of the firstprocessor and the second processor.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference tothe attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments are notintended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, and limitation isnot made an invention that requires all combinations of featuresdescribed in the embodiments. Two or more of the multiple featuresdescribed in the embodiments may be combined as appropriate.Furthermore, the same reference numerals are given to the same orsimilar configurations, and redundant description thereof is omitted.

FIG. 1 schematically shows an arrangement example of an aerosolgeneration system according to an embodiment. The aerosol generationsystem can include an inhalation device 100 and an external power supply(power supply device) 200.

The inhalation device 100 can be configured to provide, to a user via amouthpiece port 130, a gas containing an aerosol, a gas containing anaerosol and a flavor material, an aerosol, or an aerosol containing aflavor material in accordance with an operation requesting the aerosol(to be also referred to as an atomization request hereinafter) such asan inhalation operation by the user. The inhalation device 100 cancomprise a controller 102 and an atomizer 104. The inhalation device 100can comprise a holding portion 103 that detachably holds the atomizer104. The controller 102 may be understood as a controller for aninhalation device. The atomizer 104 can be configured to atomize anaerosol source. The aerosol source can be, for example, a liquid such asa multivalent alcohol such as glycerin or propylene glycol.Alternatively, the aerosol source may contain a drug. The aerosol sourcecan be a liquid, a solid, or a mixture of a liquid and a solid. A vaporsource such as water may be used in place of the aerosol source.

The inhalation device 100 may further comprise a capsule 106 containinga flavor source 131. The atomizer 104 can include a capsule holder 105that detachably holds the capsule 106. The capsule holder 105 may beincluded not in the atomizer 104 but in the controller 102. The flavorsource 131 can be a molded body obtained by molding, for example, acigarette material. Alternatively, the flavor source 131 may be made ofa plant (for example, mint, herb, Chinese medicine, coffee beans, or thelike) except the cigarette. A fragrance such as menthol may be added tothe flavor source. The flavor source 131 may be added to an aerosolsource. The atomizer 104 and the capsule holder 105 may be integrallyformed in place of an arrangement in which the inhalation device 100 orthe atomizer 104 includes the capsule holder 105.

The controller 102 can comprise electrical components 110 including afirst power supply BAT1. The first power supply BAT1 may be formed by asecondary battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery, or anelectric double-layer capacitor such as a lithium ion capacitor. Theelectrical components 110 can include a user interface 116.Alternatively, the controller 102 may be understood to include theelectrical components 110 and the user interface 116. The user interface116 can include, for example, a display unit 116 a (for example, a lightemitting device such as an LED and/or an image display unit such as anLCD) that provides the user with information and/or an operation unit116 b (for example, a switch such as a button switch and/or a touchdisplay) that accepts a user operation. The controller 102 can comprisea first connector PG1 which is electrically connected to a secondconnector PG2 of the external power supply when the controller 102 isaccommodated in an accommodation portion 201 of the external powersupply 200, thereby enabling charging by the external power supply 200.The first connector PG1 is not necessarily physically connected to thesecond connector PG2 to enable charging by the external power supply200. For example, the second connector PG2 may supply power, in anon-contact manner, to the first connector PG1 which is not physicallyconnected thereto. The first connector PG1 is electrically connected tothe electrical components 110. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the firstconnector PG1 is provided at a position opposite to the position wherethe atomizer 104 is provided in the controller 102, but the position ofthe first connector PG1 in the controller 102 can be arbitrary. Thefirst connector PG1 may be a female (concave type) receptacle and thesecond connector PG2 may be a male (convex type) plug. Alternatively,the first connector PG1 may be a male (convex type) plug and the secondconnector PG2 may be a female (concave type) receptacle.

The holding portion 103 of the controller 102 can include a firstelectrical contact C1 and a second electrical contact C2. In a state inwhich the atomizer 104 is held by the holding portion 103, the firstelectrical contact C1 of the holding portion 103 can contact a thirdelectrical contact C3 of the atomizer 104, and the second electricalcontact C2 of the holding portion 103 can contact a fourth electricalcontact C4 of the atomizer 104. The controller 102 can supply power tothe atomizer 104 (heater HT) via the first electrical contact C1 and thesecond electrical contact C2.

The atomizer 104 can include the third electrical contact C3 and thefourth electrical contact C4 described above. In addition, the atomizer104 can include the heater HT for heating and atomizing the aerosolsource, a container 125 for holding the aerosol source, and a transportportion (wick) 126 for transporting the aerosol source held by thecontainer 125 to a heating region of the heater HT and holding theaerosol source in the heating region. At least part of the heatingregion can be arranged in a channel 128 formed in the atomizer 104. Thefirst electrical contact C1, the third electrical contact C3, the heaterHT, the fourth electrical contact C4, and the second electrical contactC2 form a current path for flowing the current to the heater HT. Thetransport portion 126 can be made of, for example, a fiber element suchas a glass fiber, a porous material such as a ceramic, or a combinationthereof. Note that the means for transporting the aerosol source held inthe container 125 to the heating region is not limited to the wick, buta spraying device such as a spray or a transporting means such as a pumpmay be used instead.

As described above, the atomizer 104 can include the capsule holder 105for detachably holding the capsule 106. As an example, the capsuleholder 105 can hold the capsule 106 such that part of the capsule 106 isaccommodated in the capsule holder 105 or the atomizer 104 and theremaining part of the capsule 106 including the mouthpiece port 130 isexposed. The user can hold the mouthpiece port 130 with his/her mouthand suck the gas containing the aerosol or the aerosol. Since themouthpiece port 130 is included in the detachable capsule 106 asdescribed above, the inhalation device 100 can be kept clean.

When the user holds the mouthpiece port 130 with his/her mouth andperforms the inhalation operation, as exemplified by a solid arrow inFIG. 1, air flows into the channel 128 of the atomizer 104 through anopening (not shown). When the heater HT heats the aerosol source, thevaporized and/or aerosolized aerosol source is transported toward themouthpiece port 130 with the air. In the process in which the aerosolsource is transported toward the mouthpiece port 130, the vaporizedand/or aerosolized aerosol source is cooled to form fine liquiddroplets. This can promote aerosolization. In the arrangement in whichthe flavor source 131 is arranged, the flavor material generated by theflavor source 131 is added to this aerosol, and the resultant materialis transported to the mouthpiece port 130, thus allowing the user tosuck the aerosol containing the flavor material. Since the flavormaterial generated by the flavor source 131 is added to the aerosol, theflavor material can be efficiently transported to the lungs of the userwithout staying in the oral cavity.

The external power supply 200 can be configured to supply power to thecontroller 102 to charge the first power supply BAT1 included in thecontroller 102 of the inhalation device 100. The external power supply200 according to this embodiment is, for example, a portable pocketcharger, and can be sized to fit in a clothing pocket or bag of theuser. The external power supply 200 can comprise a housing 202 includingthe accommodation portion 201 (accommodation space) where the inhalationdevice 100 can be accommodated, a user interface 203, and electricalcomponents 210 including a second power supply BAT2. The second powersupply BAT2 may be formed by a secondary battery such as a lithium ionsecondary battery, or an electric double-layer capacitor such as alithium ion capacitor. The user interface 203 can include, for example,a display unit 203 a (for example, a light emitting device such as anLED and/or an image display unit such as an LCD) that provides the userwith information and/or an operation unit 203 b (for example, a switchsuch as a button switch and/or a touch display) that accepts a useroperation. The electrical components 210 are provided in the housing202.

As indicated by a dashed arrow in FIG. 1, the controller 102 of theinhalation device 100 is inserted into the accommodation portion 201 ofthe external power supply 200. The housing 202 of the external powersupply 200 may be configured so as to allow the controller 102 holdingthe atomizer 104 (the capsule 106 may be attached thereto) to beaccommodated in the accommodation portion 201, or may be configured soas to allow the controller 102 alone to be accommodated in theaccommodation portion 201. The external power supply 200 can furtherinclude, in the accommodation portion 201, the second connector PG2which is electrically connected to the first connector PG1 of thecontroller 102 when the controller 102 is accommodated in theaccommodation portion 201. Here, the external power supply 200 maycomprise a terminal (not shown) such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus)which is electrically connected to, for example, a home power supply tocharge the second power supply BAT2 of the external power supply 200.The external power supply 200 may further comprise, in the housing 202,a lid member (not shown) which is configured to be openable/closablewith respect to the accommodation portion 201 so as to cover thecontroller 102 accommodated in the accommodation portion 201.

FIG. 2 shows an arrangement example of the electrical components 110 ofthe controller 102 and an arrangement example of the electricalcomponents 210 of the external power supply 200. FIG. 2 also shows thefirst connector PG1 of the controller 102 and the second connector PG2of the external power supply 200. Each of the first connector PG1 andthe second connector PG2 includes electrical contacts A to G. When thecontroller 102 is inserted into the accommodation portion 201 of theexternal power supply 200 and the first connector PG1 is connected tothe second connector PG2, the electrical contacts of the first connectorPG1 can contact the electrical contacts of the second connector PG2 suchthat the electrical contacts with the same reference symbols contacteach other. Here, in the aerosol generation system according to thisembodiment, the controller 102 can be inserted into the accommodationportion 201 of the external power supply 200 in a state in which theorientation of the controller 102 is inverted in the vertical directionin the drawing in FIG. 1. In this case, the electrical contacts A to Gof the first connector PG1 contact the electrical contacts G to A of thesecond connector PG2, respectively. However, even in this case, thecontroller 102 and the external power supply 200 can be normallyoperated by the circuit arrangement shown in FIG. 2.

First, the arrangement example of the electrical components 110 of thecontroller 102 will be described. The electrical components 110 caninclude, for example, the first power supply BAT1, a power supply unitthat supplies power to the atomizer 104 (heater HT thereof), a detectionunit for detecting the resistance value of the heater HT, and anenergization control unit that controls energization of the heater HT inaccordance with the information obtained by the detection unit. Theheater HT has a resistance value R_(HTR) that changes in accordance withthe temperature of the heater HT. The resistance value may have apositive temperature coefficient characteristic (so-called PTCcharacteristic) and increase as the temperature of the heater HTincreases, or may have a negative temperature coefficient characteristic(so-called NTC characteristic) and increase as the temperature of theheater HT decreases. As has been described above, the third electricalcontact C3 of the heater HT contacts the first electrical contact C1 ofthe controller 102, and the fourth electrical contact C4 of the heaterHT contacts the second electrical contact C2 of the controller 102.

The power supply unit that supplies power to the heater HT can include avoltage converter 11 and a switch Q1. The voltage converter 11 includes,for example, a DC/DC converter. The voltage converter 11 converts avoltage Vb₁ supplied from the plus terminal of the first power supplyBAT1 into a heater driving voltage V1, and outputs it from an outputterminal VOUT. The heater driving voltage V1 output from the outputterminal VOUT of the voltage converter 11 is supplied to the firstelectrical contact C1 contacting the third electrical contact C3 of theheater HT. Since the second electrical contact C2 contacting the fourthelectrical contact C4 of the heater HT is electrically connected to theminus terminal of the first power supply BAT1, the current path forflowing the current to the heater HT can be formed between the outputterminal VOUT of the voltage converter 11 and the minus terminal of thefirst power supply BAT1. The generated amount of aerosol tends toincrease as the voltage applied to the heater HT is higher. Therefore,the voltage converter 11 preferably includes a boost DC/DC converter ora buck-boost DC/DC converter. The switch Q1 includes, for example, afield effect transistor (FET), and opening/closing (ON/OFF) of theswitch Q1 can be controlled by a first processor 14. The switch Q1 canbe arranged on the line (current path) connecting the output terminalVOUT of the voltage converter 11 and the heater HT (first electricalcontact C1), but the present invention is not limited to this, and theswitch Q1 may be arranged on the line connecting the heater HT (secondelectrical contact C2) and the minus terminal of the first power supplyBAT1. Note that the diode added to the switch Q1 in FIG. 2 representsthe body (parasitic) diode of the field effect transistor.

The detection unit for detecting the resistance value R_(HTR) of theheater HT can include a voltage conversion circuit 12 and an amplifier13. The voltage conversion circuit 12 includes, for example, a linearregulator such as an LDO (Low DropOut) regulator. The voltage conversioncircuit 12 converts the voltage Vb₁ supplied from the plus terminal ofthe first power supply BAT1 into a detection voltage V2 for detectingthe resistance value R_(HTR) of the heater HT, and outputs it from anoutput terminal VOUT. The amplifier 13 can include, for example, anoperational amplifier which includes a noninverting input terminal, aninverting input terminal, and an output terminal. The positive powersupply terminal of the amplifier 13 can be connected to the outputterminal VOUT of the voltage conversion circuit 12, and the negativepower supply terminal thereof can be connected to the ground line. Thenoninverting input terminal of the amplifier 13 is connected to thefirst electrical contact C1, and the inverting input terminal thereof isconnected to the second electrical contact C2. Accordingly, thepotential difference between the first electrical contact C1 and thesecond electrical contact C2, that is, a voltage V_(HTR) of the heaterHT is input to the amplifier 13. An output voltage V_(AMP) of theamplifier 13 can be input to the first processor 14. Note that in theexample shown in FIG. 2, a Zener diode PE is provided between thenoninverting input terminal of the amplifier 13 and the ground line. TheZener diode PE is used to suppress an unexpected operation or failure ofthe amplifier 13 caused by an input of an excessive voltage to thenoninverting input terminal of the amplifier 13.

The detection unit for detecting the resistance value R_(HTR) of theheater HT can further include a switch Q2 and a shunt resistor Rs (“Rs”may also refer to the resistance value of the shunt resistor Rshereinafter). Assume that the resistance value of the shunt resistor Rshardly changes even when the temperature of the shunt resistor Rschanges. The switch Q2 includes, for example, a field effect transistor(FET), and opening/closing (ON/OFF) of the switch Q2 can be controlledby the first processor 14. The switch Q2 can be arranged on the lineconnecting the output terminal VOUT of the voltage conversion circuit 12and the heater HT (first electrical contact C1), but the presentinvention is not limited to this, and the switch Q2 may be arranged onthe line connecting the heater HT (second electrical contact C2) and theminus terminal of the first power supply BAT1. A diode BE can beprovided on the line connecting the output terminal VOUT of the voltageconversion circuit 12 and the switch Q2. The shunt resistor Rs can bearranged on the line connecting the switch Q2 and the heater HT inseries with the switch Q2. Note that the diode added to the switch Q2 inFIG. 2 represents the body (parasitic) diode of the field effecttransistor. In the example shown in FIG. 2, resistors R1 and R2 arrangedin series are provided between the line connecting the switch Q2 and theshunt resistor Rs and the ground line, and the voltage between theresistor R1 and the resistor R2 is supplied to the first processor 14.

The noninverting input terminal of the amplifier 13 is connected betweenthe shunt resistor Rs and the heater HT, and the series circuit of theshunt resistor Rs and the heater HT is connected between the outputterminal VOUT of the voltage conversion circuit 12 and the minusterminal of the first power supply BAT1. That is, a voltage obtained bydividing the detection voltage V2 (the voltage obtained by subtracting aforward voltage Vf of the diode BE to be described later therefrom) bythe shunt resistor Rs and the heater HT is input to the noninvertinginput terminal of the amplifier 13. Since the resistance value R_(HTR)changes in accordance with the temperature of the heater HT, accordingto the arrangement example of the electrical components 110 of thecontroller 102 shown in FIG. 2, the amplifier 13 can output the outputvoltage V_(AMP) that changes in accordance with the temperature of theheater HT.

In order to detect the resistance value R_(HTR) of the heater HT, theswitch Q1 is turned off and the switch Q2 is turned on. In thisembodiment, after the switch Q1 is turned on to supply power to theheater HT in accordance with an atomization request from the user, theswitch Q2 is turned on and then the switch Q1 is turned off. At thistime, letting Vf be the forward voltage of the diode BE and I_(HTR) bethe current flowing through the heater HT, the resistance value R_(HTR)of the heater HT is expressed by equation (1):

R _(HTR) V _(HTR) /I _(HTR) V _(HTR)·(R _(HTR) +R _(S))/(V2−Vf)  (1)

By modifying equation (1), equation (2) giving the resistance valueR_(HTR) is obtained:

R _(HTR) =R _(S) ·V _(HTR)/(V2−Vf−V _(HTR))  (2)

If the amplifier 13 of the detection unit has an amplification factor A,the output voltage V_(AMP) of the amplifier 13 is given by equation (3):

V _(AMP) =A·V _(HTR)  (3)

By modifying equation (3), equation (4) giving the voltage V_(HTR) ofthe heater HT is obtained:

V _(HTR) =V _(AMP) /A  (4)

Thus, the resistance value R_(HTR) of the heater HT can be obtainedaccording to equation (2) and equation (4). Note that the switch Q2 isturned off after the output voltage V_(AMP) of the amplifier 13 used todetect the resistance value R_(HTR) of the heater HT is obtained.

The energization control unit that controls energization of the heaterHT can include the first processor 14. The first processor 14 can beformed by, for example, an MCU (Micro Controller Unit), but may beformed by an MCU and an analog circuit. The first processor 14 generatesa control signal for controlling energization of the heater HT inaccordance with the information obtained by the above-describeddetection unit (here, the output voltage V_(AMP) of the amplifier 13).The control signal can be, for example, a signal for controllingopening/closing of the switch Q1, but can include another control signal(for example, a control signal for controlling the display unit 116 a).The control signal may be, for example, a control signal for suppressingoverheating of the heater HT, or may be a control signal for convergingthe temperature of the heater HT to a target temperature. Based on thevoltage generated in a resistor RD arranged on the line connecting theminus terminal of the first power supply BAT1 and the heater HT (secondelectrical contact C2), the first processor 14 can detect a currentflowing through the resistor RD, that is, the current of the heater HT.If an overcurrent is detected in the heater HT, the first processor 14can perform a process of stopping the energization of the heater HT byturning off the switch Q1, or the like.

Based on the resistance value R_(s), the voltage Vf, the voltage V2, andthe output voltage V_(AMP) of the amplifier 13, the first processor 14can calculate the resistance value R_(HTR) of the heater HT according tothe above-described equation (2) and equation (4). The resistance valueR_(s), the voltage Vf, and the voltage V2 are known values. Then, thefirst processor 14 calculates an estimated temperature T_(HTR) of theheater HT according to following equation (5). The first processor 14can control opening/closing of the switch Q1 based on the calculatedestimated temperature T_(HTR) so that the temperature of the heater HTmatches or converges to the target temperature.

T _(HTR) =T _(ref)+(1/α)·(R _(HTR) −R _(ref))·(1/R _(ref))·10⁶  (5)

In equation (5), T_(ref) is the reference temperature of the heater HT.R_(ref) is the reference resistance value of the heater HT, and this isthe resistance value R_(HTR) of the heater HT at the referencetemperature. α is the temperature coefficient [ppm/° C.] of the heaterHT, and this is a known value. Here, the reference temperature can be anarbitrary temperature, and can be stored in a memory of the firstprocessor 14 in association (linking) with the reference resistancevalue. As the reference temperature, the preset temperature may be used,or the temperature of the heater HT obtained upon acquiring thereference resistance value may be used. The temperature of the heater HTobtained upon acquiring the reference resistance value may be obtainedby applying the estimated temperature T_(HTR) of the heater HT newlycalculated using the above-described equations (1) to (5), or may beobtained by converting the output of the sensor (for example, atemperature sensor TM) that detects the temperature of an arbitraryportion in the inhalation device 100.

The electrical components 110 of the controller 102 can further comprisea charging circuit for controlling charging of the first power supplyBAT1 by the external power supply 200 when the first connector PG1 ofthe controller 102 is connected to the second connector PG2 of theexternal power supply 200. The charging circuit can include, forexample, a bridge circuit BC, a protection circuit 15, switches Q3 andQ4, and a diode SD. The bridge circuit BC is a circuit that allows thecontroller 102 and the external power supply 200 to operate normallyeven if the electrical contacts A to G of the first connector PG1 areinverted and connected to the electrical contacts G to A of the secondconnector PG2, respectively. The bridge circuit BC can be formed by, forexample, four diodes or transistors. The protection circuit 15 is acircuit for preventing an overcurrent from flowing to the first powersupply BAT1 of the controller 102 from the external power supply 200 viathe first connector PG1 and the second connector PG2.

Each of the switches Q3 and Q4 includes, for example, a field effecttransistor (FET), and opening/closing (ON/OFF) of the switches Q3 and Q4can be controlled by the first processor 14. That is, it can be saidthat the first processor 14 controls charging to the first power supplyBAT1 of the controller 102 by the external power supply 200. Theswitches Q3 and Q4 are arranged in series on the line connecting thebridge circuit BC and the plus terminal of the first power supply BAT1,and the voltage of the line connecting the switch Q3 and the switch Q4can be supplied to a power supply terminal VP of the first processor 14.The diode SD is, for example, a Schottky barrier diode, and can bearranged in parallel with the switch Q3. Since the forward voltage ofthe Schottky barrier diode tends to be smaller than the forward voltageof the body diode, the Schottky barrier diode enables highly efficientpower supply from the first power supply BAT1 to the power supplyterminal VP of the first processor 14. Note that the diode added to eachof the switches Q3 and Q4 in FIG. 2 represents the body (parasitic)diode of the field effect transistor. The first processor 14 may performdropper control in which, by controlling ON/OFF of the switch Q3, powerunnecessary for charging the first power supply BAT1 is discarded asheat from the power supplied from the first connector PG1. When thefirst processor 14 performs the dropper control using the switch Q3, itis possible to highly control the charging of the first power supplyBAT1 without using a dedicated charging IC or the like.

The electrical components 110 of the controller 102 can further comprisea switch circuit 16 and a protection circuit 17. The switch circuit 16is a circuit that enables communication between the first processor 14and a second processor 32 of the external power supply 200 when thefirst connector PG1 is connected to the second connector PG2 and apredetermined voltage is applied to the EN terminal. The protectioncircuit 17 detects, based on the voltage generated in a resistor R_(p)arranged on the line connecting the minus terminal of the first powersupply BAT1 and the heater HT (second electrical contact C2), thecurrent flowing to the resistor R_(p), that is, the current of theheater HT. If an overcurrent is detected in the heater HT, theprotection circuit 17 performs a process of stopping the energization ofthe heater HT, or the like. For example, a switch circuit SP formed byfield effect transistors or the like is provided on the line connectingthe minus terminal of the first power supply BAT1 and the heater HT(second electrical contact C2). If an overcurrent is detected, theprotection circuit 17 can stop the energization of the heater HT byturning off the switch circuit SP. Note that the protection circuit 17can be configured to operate independently of control of the firstprocessor 14.

The electrical components 110 of the controller 102 can further comprisean LED driving circuit 18, a voltage conversion circuit 20, a puffsensor 21, a touch sensor 22, and the temperature sensor TM. The LEDdriving circuit 18 drives an LED 19 that forms the display unit 116 a ofthe user interface 116. The voltage conversion circuit 20 includes, forexample, a linear regulator such as an LDO (Low DropOut) regulator. Thevoltage conversion circuit 20 converts the voltage Vb₁ supplied from theplus terminal of the first power supply BAT1 into a voltage to be inputto the switch 16 and the puff sensor 21, and outputs it. The puff sensor21 (for example, a pressure sensor or a microphone condenser) detects apuff operation of the user, and supplies the detection signal to thefirst processor 14. The detection of the puff operation using the puffsensor 21 is a specific example of the atomization request describedabove. The touch sensor 22 forms the operation unit 116 b of the userinterface 116. If an operation (for example, a touch operation) by theuser is detected, the touch sensor 22 supplies the detection signal tothe first processor 14. The touch operation on the touch sensor 22 is aspecific example of the atomization request described above. Thetemperature sensor TM is provided to detect the temperature of the firstpower supply BAT1, and can include, for example, a thermistor whoseresistance value changes in accordance with the temperature. The firstprocessor 14 measures the voltage divided by a resistor R5 connected inseries with the thermistor serving as the temperature sensor TM and thethermistor to obtain the resistance value of the thermistor. Based onthe resistance value of the thermistor, the first processor 14 cancalculate the temperature of the first power supply BAT1. Preferably,the temperature sensor TM is installed near the first power supply BAT1or on the surface of the first power supply BAT1.

Here, in the example shown in FIG. 2, the line connecting the bridgecircuit BC (protection circuit 15) and the switch Q4 and the ground lineare connected via the resistors R3 and R4. The voltage between theresistor R3 and the resistor R4 can be input to the EN terminal of theswitch circuit 16 and a voltage detection terminal VD (first voltagedetection terminal) of the first processor 14. The voltage detectionterminal VD of the first processor 14 is a terminal for detectingwhether a voltage V_(BUS) of a power supply unit 33 of the externalpower supply 200 is applied (that is, whether power is supplied from theexternal power supply 200). If a voltage equal to or higher than apredetermined threshold value is detected at the voltage detectionterminal VD, the first processor 14 can determine that the voltageV_(BUS) is applied. The voltage Vb₁ supplied from the plus terminal ofthe first power supply BAT1 can be input to the first processor 14 viaresistors R6 and R7. The voltage between the resistor R6 and theresistor R7 can also be input to the first processor 14.

Next, the arrangement example of the electrical components 210 of theexternal power supply 200 will be described. The electrical components210 can include, for example, the second power supply BAT2, a voltageconversion circuit 31, the second processor 32, and the power supplyunit 33. The voltage conversion circuit 31 includes, for example, alinear regulator such as an LDO (Low DropOut) regulator. The voltageconversion circuit 31 converts a voltage Vb₂ supplied from the plusterminal of the second power supply BAT2 into a voltage Vs to be inputto a power supply terminal VP of the second processor 32, and outputs itfrom an output terminal VOUT. That is, the voltage conversion circuit 31functions as the voltage source of the second processor 32, and theoutput terminal VOUT of the voltage conversion circuit 31 can beconnected to the power supply terminal VP of the second processor 32.The second processor 32 controls power supply from the second powersupply BAT2 to the controller 102 by supplying a control signal to thepower supply unit 33 and controlling the power supply unit 33. Thesecond processor 32 can be formed by, for example, an MCU (MicroController Unit), but may be formed by an MCU and an analog circuit. Thepower supply unit 33 includes, for example, a DC/DC converter. The powersupply unit 33 converts the voltage Vb₂ supplied from the plus terminalof the second power supply BAT2 into the voltage V_(BUS), which is usedto supply power to the first power supply BAT1 of the controller 102,and outputs it from an output terminal VOUT.

A resistor R8 (first resistor) is provided on the line connecting theoutput terminal VOUT of the voltage conversion circuit 31 and theelectrical contact D of the second connector PG2. When the firstconnector PG1 is connected to the second connector PG2, the electricalcontact D of the second connector PG2 contacts the electrical contact Dof the first connector PG1, and can be connected to the ground line viaa resistor R9 (second resistor) of the electrical components 110 of thecontroller 102. The voltage of the line connecting the resistor R8 andthe electrical contact D of the second connector PG2 can be input to aninput terminal VIN (second voltage detection terminal) of the secondprocessor 32. In other words, the voltage obtained by dividing thevoltage Vs by the resistor R8 and the resistor R9 can be input to theinput terminal VIN (second voltage detection terminal) of the secondprocessor 32. In accordance with the change in voltage input to theinput terminal VIN, the second processor 32 can detect (determine)whether the first connector PG1 is connected to the second connectorPG2. The second processor 32 can control the power supply unit 33 inaccordance with the connection between the first connector PG1 and thesecond connector PG2. For example, if the connection between the firstconnector PG1 and the second connector PG2 is detected, the secondprocessor 32 can supply, to the power supply unit 33 (CE terminal), acontrol signal for starting power supply from the second power supplyBAT2 to the controller 102. Here, the resistance value of the resistorR8 is preferably larger than that of the resistor R9. As an example, theresistance value of the resistor R8 is 1 MΩ, and the resistance value ofthe resistor R9 is 100 kΩ. At this time, the input voltage at the powersupply terminal of the second processor 32 is equal to the voltageapplied to the resistors R8 and R9 connected in series. In other words,at this time, the input voltage at the power supply terminal of thesecond processor 32 is the voltage Vs.

Here, the linear regulator included in the voltage conversion circuit 20of the controller 102 and the linear regulator included in the voltageconversion circuit 31 of the external power supply 200 may be similar inthe specifications (for example, the same model). In this case, theprocurement cost for components (for example, the linear regulators) canbe reduced. Further, the linear regulator included in the voltageconversion circuit 12 of the controller 102 and the linear regulatorincluded in the voltage conversion circuit 31 of the external powersupply 200 may be different in the specifications (for example, thedifferent model). For example, the linear regulator included in thevoltage conversion circuit 12 of the controller 102 may have higherperformance than the linear regulator included in the voltage conversioncircuit 31 of the external power supply 200. With this, it is possibleto control highly accurately the energization control of the heater HT.The linear regulator having high performance refers to a linearregulator which can output a wide range of voltage, or whose operationfrequency is high.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate an operation example of the inhalation device100. This operation is a process (atomization process) of heating theaerosol source by the heater HT in accordance with an atomizationrequest from the user and providing the atomized aerosol source from themouthpiece port 130, and controlled by the first processor 14. The firstprocessor 14 includes a memory storing programs, and a CPU that operatesin accordance with the programs.

In step S11, the first processor 14 waits for reception of anatomization request (more specifically, a detection signal transmittedfrom the puff sensor 21 and/or the touch sensor 22). If the atomizationrequest is received, the first processor 14 executes step S12. Theatomization request is a request to operate the atomizer 104, morespecifically, a request to control the heater HT within a targettemperature range so as to generate an aerosol from the aerosol source.The atomization request can be an operation of detecting by the puffsensor 21 that the user has performed an inhalation operation (puffoperation) through the mouthpiece port 130, and notifying the firstprocessor 14 of the detection by the puff sensor 21 (for example,transmission of a detection signal). Alternatively, the atomizationrequest can be an operation of notifying, by the operation unit 116 b,the first processor 14 that the user has operated the operation unit 116b (touch sensor 22) (for example, transmission of an operation signal).Hereinafter, during the inhalation operation by the user or during theoperation of the operation unit 116 b by the user, the atomizationrequest is continuously transmitted from the puff sensor 21 or theoperation unit 116 b, and the atomization request (transmission thereof)ends when the user terminates the inhalation operation or the operationof the operation unit 116 b.

In step S12, the first processor 14 obtains the voltage Vb₁ of the firstpower supply BAT1 from a power supply management circuit (not shown),and determines whether the voltage Vb₁ exceeds a discharge end voltageVend (for example, 3.2 V). If the voltage Vb₁ is equal to or lower thanthe discharge end voltage Vend, this means that the dischargeableremaining amount of the first power supply BAT1 is insufficient.Accordingly, if the voltage Vb₁ is equal to or lower than the dischargeend voltage Vend, the process advances to step S29, and the firstprocessor 14 gives a notification to prompt charging of the first powersupply BAT1 by using the display unit 116 a (LED 19) of the userinterface 116. For example, this notification can be lighting in red orblinking the LED 19 included in the display unit 116 a. When thenotification is given, the user inserts the inhalation device 100(controller 102) into the accommodation portion 201 of the externalpower supply 200, and connects the first connector PG1 of the controller102 to the second connector PG2 of the external power supply 200. Withthis, the first power supply BAT1 of the controller 102 is charged bythe external power supply 200, and the dischargeable remaining amountcan be increased. On the other hand, if the voltage Vb₁ exceeds thedischarge end voltage Vend in step S12, the first processor 14 performsa heating process. The heating process is a process of controlling theswitch Q1 to supply power to the heater HT in accordance with thereception of the atomization request of the aerosol source, therebyheating the aerosol source. The heating process can include steps S13 toS17.

In step S13, the first processor 14 can notify, using the display unit116 a (LED 19) of the user interface 116, that a normal operation ispossible. For example, this notification can be lighting, in blue, ofthe LED 19 included in the display unit 116 a. Then, in step S14, thefirst processor 14 starts power supply control of the heater HT. Thepower supply control of the heater HT includes temperature control ofcontrolling the heater HT within the target temperature range. Thetemperature control can include feedback control of calculating theestimated temperature T_(HTR) of the heater HT by detecting theresistance value R_(HTR) of the heater HT, and controllingopening/closing of the switch Q1 based on the estimated temperatureT_(HTR) such that the temperature of the heater HT falls within thetarget temperature range (for example, the temperature of the heater HTmatches or converges to the target temperature).

Then, in step S15, the first processor 14 resets an inhalation timeT_(L) to 0. After that, in step S16, the first processor 14 adds Δt tothe inhalation time T_(L). At corresponds to the time interval betweenthe execution of step S16 and the next execution of step S16.

Then, in step S17, the first processor 14 determines whether theatomization request has finished. If the atomization request hasfinished, the first processor 14 advances to step S19, and stops thepower supply control of the heater HT. On the other hand, if theatomization request has not finished, the first processor 14 advances tostep S18, and determines whether the inhalation time T_(L) has reachedthe upper limit time. If the inhalation time T_(L) has not reached theupper limit time, the first processor 14 returns to step S16. If theinhalation time T_(L) has reached the upper limit time, the firstprocessor 14 advances to step S19. As an example, the upper limit timemay be between 2.0 and 2.5 sec.

After step S19, in step S20, the first processor 14 turns off the LED 19which has been lit in blue. The order of step S19 and step S20 may bereversed, or the first processor 14 may simultaneously execute steps S19and S20. Then, in step S21, the first processor 14 updates anaccumulated time TA. More specifically, the inhalation time T_(L) isadded to the current accumulated time TA in step S21. The accumulatedtime TA can be the accumulated time of the capsule 106 used forinhalation. In other words, the accumulated time TA can be theaccumulated time of inhalation of the aerosol via the flavor source 131of the capsule 106.

In step S22, the first processor 14 determines whether the accumulatedtime TA does not exceed the inhalation enable time (for example, 120sec). If the accumulated time TA does not exceed the inhalation enabletime, this means that the capsule 106 can still provide the flavormaterial, so that the process returns to step S11. On the other hand, ifthe accumulated time TA exceeds the inhalation enable time, the processadvances to step S23, and the first processor 14 waits for generation ofan atomization request. If an atomization request is generated, in stepS24, the first processor 14 waits for the atomization request tocontinue for a predetermined time. Thereafter, in step S25, the firstprocessor 14 inhibits the power supply control of the heater HT. Notethat step S24 may be omitted.

Then, in step S26, the first processor 14 gives a notification to promptan exchange of the capsule 106 by using the display unit 116 a of theuser interface 116. For example, this notification can be blinking(repetition of turning on and off), in blue, of the LED 19 included inthe display unit 116 a. When the notification is given, the user canexchange the capsule 106. In an example, one atomizer 104 and aplurality of (for example, three) capsules 106 can be sold as one set.In such an example, after the one atomizer 104 and all the capsules 106included in one set are consumed, the atomizer 104 and the last capsule106 included in the consumed set can be exchanged with the atomizer 104and the capsule 106 included in a new set. The order of step S25 andstep S26 may be reversed, or the first processor 14 may simultaneouslyexecute steps S25 and S26.

In step S27, the first processor 14 waits for completion of the exchangeof the capsule 106 (or the capsule 106 and the atomizer 104). After theexchange of the capsule 106 is completed, the process advances to stepS28, and the first processor 14 cancels the inhibition of the powersupply control of the heater HT and returns to step S11.

In the aerosol generation system described above, the first processor 14of the controller 102 and the second processor 32 of the external powersupply 200 can perform processes different from each other. In thiscase, operating the first processor 14 and the second processor 32 insimilar manners can be disadvantageous in terms of power saving of theaerosol generation system. When each of the first processor 14 and thesecond processor 32 is formed by the MCU, as the voltage applied to thepower supply terminal VP of each processor is increased, the operationfrequency corresponding to the process speed is improved. Further, insuch a case, as the voltage applied to the power supply terminal VP ofeach processor is increased, power saving is improved. Therefore, inthis embodiment, the first voltage applied to the power supply terminalVP of the first processor 14 and the second voltage applied to the powersupply terminal VP of the second processor 32 are set to be differentfrom each other. For example, one of the first processor 14 and thesecond processor 32 that is performing a predetermined process isapplied, to its power supply terminal VP, with a voltage that can ensurethe process speed in the predetermined process. On the other hand, theother one of the first processor 14 and the second processor 32 isapplied, to its power supply terminal VP, with a voltage lower than thepower supply voltage applied to the processor performing thepredetermined process, thereby achieving low power consumption.

In this embodiment, the first processor 14 performs the heating processof heating the heater HT by controlling the switch Q1, the temperaturecalculation process of calculating the estimated temperature T_(HTR) ofthe heater HT by controlling the switch Q2, and/or the charging controlprocess of controlling charging of the first power supply BAT1 bycontrolling the switches Q3 and Q4. Therefore, the first voltage thatcan ensure the process speed (for example, clock frequency) required inthe heating process, the temperature calculation process, and/or thecharging control process can be applied to the power supply terminal VPof the first processor 14. On the other hand, the second processor 32performs a process of controlling power supply (for example, the startand/or end of power supply) to the controller 102 by controlling thepower supply unit 33. This process may be performed at a process speedlower than the process speed required for the process performed by thefirst processor 14. Accordingly, by setting the second voltage appliedto the power supply terminal VP of the second processor 32 lower thanthe first voltage applied to the power supply terminal VP of the firstprocessor 14, low power consumption can be achieved. Here, for example,if the second processor 32 performs the charging control process ofcontrolling charging of the first power supply BAT1 by controlling theswitches Q3 and Q4, during the charging, the second voltage applied tothe power supply terminal VP of the second processor 32 may be sethigher than the first voltage applied to the power supply terminal VP ofthe first processor 14.

By increasing the first voltage applied to the power supply terminal VPof the first processor 14, opening/closing (ON/OFF) of each of theswitches Q1 and Q2 can be switched at high speed. Thus, the firstprocessor 14 can perform the temperature calculation process in a veryshort time during the heating process. Since performing the temperaturecalculation process in a very short time has only a minor influence orhardly any influence on the heating process, it is possible to providethe user with an intended flavored aerosol. Further, if the temperaturecalculation process can be performed in a very short time, it ispossible to calculate the estimated temperature T_(HTR) of the heater HThighly frequently during the heating process. This can improve theaccuracy of the heating process and suppress overheating of the heaterHT, so that it is possible to provide the user with an intended flavoredaerosol.

The external power supply 200 is mainly used to charge the first powersupply BAT1 of the inhalation device 100 by the second power supplyBAT2. If the first voltage applied to the power supply terminal VP ofthe second processor 32 is lowered, the less power stored in the secondpower supply BAT2 is consumed by the second processor 32. Thus, thesecond power supply BAT2 can charge the first power supply BAT1 withmore power. In other words, the amount of aerosol providable to the userper one charging of the second power supply BAT2 increases, and this canimprove the merchantability of the aerosol generation system.

With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the line (path) for applying the firstvoltage to the power supply terminal VP of the first processor 14 andthe line (path) for applying the second voltage to the power supplyterminal VP of the second processor 32 will be described below. FIGS. 4and 5 show an arrangement example of the electrical components 110 ofthe controller 102 and the electrical components 210 of the externalpower supply 200. The arrangement example shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 issimilar to the arrangement example shown in FIG. 2, but the arrangementon the right side of the first processor 14 (the circuit arrangement forsupplying power to the heater HT) is not illustrated. Each bold line inFIGS. 4 and 5 indicates the portion to pay attention to in thedescription of the voltage applied to the power supply terminal VP ofthe first processor 14 and/or the power supply terminal VP of the secondprocessor 32. FIG. 4 shows an unconnected state in which the firstconnector PG1 of the controller 102 is not connected to the secondconnector PG2 of the external power supply 200, and FIG. 5 shows aconnected state in which the first connector PG1 is connected to thesecond connector PG2.

First, the unconnected state in which the first connector PG1 is notconnected to the second connector PG2 will be described with referenceto FIG. 4. In the unconnected state, as indicated by a bold line BL₁ inFIG. 4, a voltage (first voltage) can be applied to the power supplyterminal VP of the first processor 14 via the first line connecting theplus terminal of the first power supply BAT1 and the power supplyterminal VP of the first processor 14. On the other hand, as indicatedby a bold line BL₂ in FIG. 4, a voltage (second voltage) can be appliedto the power supply terminal VP of the second processor 32 via thesecond line connecting the plus terminal of the second power supply BAT2and the power supply terminal VP of the second processor 32. The voltageconversion circuit 31 is provided on the second line BL₂. The voltageconversion circuit 31 is configured to output, from the output terminalVOUT, the voltage Vs lower than the first voltage applied to the powersupply terminal VP of the first processor 14, and the voltage Vs outputfrom the output terminal VOUT of the voltage conversion circuit 31 canbe input (applied) to the power supply terminal VP of the secondprocessor 32. With this, the power consumption of the second processor32 can be made lower than that of the first processor 14.

Here, only the diode SD is arranged in the forward direction on thefirst line BL₁, and no component that causes a larger voltage drop thanthe voltage conversion circuit 31 is arranged thereon. Thus, it ispossible to reduce a voltage loss (voltage drop) on the first line BL₁,and apply, as the first voltage, the voltage almost equal to the outputvoltage Vb₁ of the first power supply BAT1 to the power supply terminalVP of the first processor 14. Note that it is also conceivable to formthe first line by turning on the switch Q3 including no body diodeinstead of using the diode SD. However, in this case, if the switch Q4is turned off, the output voltage Vb₁ of the first power supply BAT1 isnot applied to the power supply terminal VP of the first processor 14.Therefore, during charging of the first power supply BAT1 and themanufacture of the inhalation device 100, it is necessary to apply avoltage to the power supply terminal VP of the first processor 14 from avoltage source other than the first power supply BAT1. It is furtherconceivable to use the body diode of the switch Q3 without turning onthe switch Q3 but, in terms of avoiding a voltage loss on the firstline, providing the diode SD having a lower forward resistance than thebody diode is preferable. In addition, a current (backflow) flowing fromthe power supply terminal VP of the first processor 14 toward the firstconnector PG can be prevented by the body diode of the switch Q4.

Next, the connection state in which the first connector PG1 is connectedto the second connector PG2 will be described with reference to FIG. 5.As has been described above, when the first connector PG1 iselectrically connected to the second connector PG2, the input terminalVIN (voltage detection terminal) of the second processor 32 is connectedto the resistor R9 of the controller 102, and the voltage applied to theinput terminal VIN of the second processor 32 changes (changes from Highlevel to Low level). Triggered by the change in voltage at the inputterminal VIN, the second processor 32 supplies, to the power supply unit33 (CE terminal), a control signal for starting power supply from thesecond power supply BAT2 to the controller 102. With this, the voltageV_(BUS) is output from the output terminal VOUT of the power supply unit33.

When the voltage V_(BUS) is output from the output terminal VOUT of thepower supply unit 33, the voltage at the voltage detection terminal VDof the first processor 14 changes. Triggered by the change in voltage atthe voltage detection terminal VD, the first processor 14 turns on theswitches Q3 and Q4. With this, as indicated by a bold line BL₃ in FIG.5, the power supply terminal VP of the first processor 14 in theconnection state can be applied with the voltage (third voltage) via thethird line connecting the first connector PG1 (output terminal VOUT ofthe power supply unit 33) and the power supply terminal VP of the firstprocessor 14. On the other hand, the power supply terminal VP of thesecond processor 32 in the connected state can be input (applied) withthe voltage Vs output from the output terminal VOUT of the voltageconversion circuit 31 via the second line BL₂, as in the unconnectedstate. The voltage conversion circuit 31 can be configured to output,from the output terminal VOUT, the voltage Vs lower than the thirdvoltage applied to the power supply terminal VP of the first processor14. With this, the power consumption of the second processor 32 can bemade lower than that of the first processor 14. Note that the voltagedrop amount in the voltage conversion circuit 31 may differ between theunconnected state and the connected state, or may not differtherebetween.

The arrangement of the aerosol generation system described above canalso be advantageous in a case in which the first processor 14 isrestored when the first power supply BAT1 is over-discharged. Forexample, when the first power supply BAT1 is over-discharged in theunconnected state, the protection circuit 17 of the controller 102detects the over-discharging, and stops the discharging of the firstpower supply BAT1 by turning off the switch circuit SP. At this time,the power supply to the power supply terminal VP of the first processor14 can also be stopped. In order to restore the first processor 14 inthis case, for example, the controller 102 can be inserted into theaccommodation portion 201 of the external power supply 200 to connectthe first connector PG1 to the second connector PG2.

When the first connector PG1 is connected to the second connector PG2,the voltage V_(BUS) is input (applied) from the external power supply200 (power supply unit 33) to the controller 102 (first connector PG1).At this time, although the switch Q4 is in the OFF state because thefirst processor 14 is in the stopped state, as indicated by a bold lineBL₄ in FIG. 6, a line (restoring line) connecting the first connectorPG1 and the power supply terminal VP of the first processor 14 can beformed by the body diode of the switch Q4. That is, the voltage V_(BUS)can be applied to the power supply terminal VP of the first processor14. With this, the first processor 14 can be restored.

Note that the voltage V_(BUS) is about 5.0 V in general, and the outputvoltage Vb₁ of the first power supply BAT1 when using a lithium ionsecondary battery as the first power supply BAT1 is about between 4 Vand 3 V. That is, the voltage to be supplied to the power supplyterminal VP of the first processor 14 changes between a case in whichover-discharging of the first power supply BAT1 does not occur and acase in which over-discharging of the first power supply BAT1 occurs. Ifit is tried that the allowable range of the input voltage at the powersupply terminal VP of the first processor 14 includes these twodifferent voltages, this leads to a narrow choice of the first processor14. However, at the time of restoration, the voltage V_(BUS) is lowereddue to the forward voltage drop of the body diode of the switch Q4.Thus, the voltage closer to the output voltage Vb₁ of the first powersupply BAT1 in the case of no over-discharging can be supplied to thepower supply terminal VP of the first processor 14. This can suppress anarrow choice of the first processor 14.

Here, the voltage conversion circuit 20 (LDO) is connected in parallelwith the restoring line. Accordingly, it is also possible to operate(restore) the switch circuit 16, the puss sensor 21, and the touchsensor 22, each of which uses the output voltage of the voltageconversion circuit 20 as the power supply voltage. In this case, thefirst processor 14 can give a notification that the controller 102(first processor 14) has been restored by using the display unit 116 aof the controller 102 and/or the display unit 203 a of the externalpower supply 200. For example, this notification can be lighting orblinking the LED 19 by the LED driving circuit 18, or lighting orblinking the LED included in the display unit 203 a of the externalpower supply 200 by transmitting a signal indicating the restoration tothe external power supply 200 via the switch circuit 16.

The invention is not limited to the foregoing embodiments, and variousvariations/changes are possible within the spirit of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An aerosol generation system comprising: acontroller for an inhalation device, the controller including a firstpower supply, a first connector, and a first processor configured toperform energization control of a heater which is used to heat anaerosol source, and a power supply device including a second powersupply, a second connector which is connected to the first connector atthe time of charging of the first power supply, and a second processorconfigured to perform control of power supply from the second powersupply to the controller via the second connector, wherein a firstvoltage applied to a power supply terminal of the first processor suchthat the first processor can perform the energization control and asecond voltage applied to a power supply terminal of the secondprocessor such that the second processor can perform the control of thepower supply are different from each other.
 2. The system according toclaim 1, wherein the first voltage is a voltage applied to the powersupply terminal of the first processor via a first line connecting thefirst power supply and the power supply terminal of the first processor,and the second voltage is a voltage applied to the power supply terminalof the second processor via a second line connecting the second powersupply and the power supply terminal of the second processor.
 3. Thesystem according to claim 1, wherein the first voltage is higher thanthe second voltage.
 4. The system according to claim 1, wherein thepower supply device includes a linear regulator on a second lineconnecting the second power supply and the power supply terminal of thesecond processor, and the linear regulator outputs, as the secondvoltage, a voltage lower than the first voltage.
 5. The system accordingto claim 4, wherein the controller includes, on a first line connectingthe first power supply and the power supply terminal of the firstprocessor, no component that causes a larger voltage drop than thelinear regulator.
 6. The system according to claim 5, wherein thecontroller comprises a diode on the first line.
 7. The system accordingto claim 1, wherein in a state in which the first connector is connectedto the second connector, a third voltage is applied from the powersupply device to the power supply terminal of the first processor, andthe third voltage is different from the second voltage.
 8. The systemaccording to claim 7, wherein the third voltage is higher than thesecond voltage.
 9. The system according to claim 1, wherein thecontroller comprises a first line connecting the first power supply andthe power supply terminal of the first processor, and a third lineconnecting the first connector and the power supply terminal of thefirst processor, and the first processor is configured to be operated byeach of power supplied from the first power supply via the first lineand power supplied from the power supply device via the third line. 10.The system according to claim 9, wherein in an unconnected state inwhich the first connector is not connected to the second connector, thefirst processor is operated by power supplied from the first powersupply via the first line, and in a connected state in which the firstconnector is connected to the second connector, the first processor isoperated by power supplied from the power supply device via the thirdline.
 11. The system according to claim 1, wherein during charging ofthe first power supply by power supplied from the power supply device, avoltage applied to the power supply terminal of one of the firstprocessor and the second processor that controls the charging is higherthan a voltage applied to the power supply terminal of the otherprocessor.